For the last one week or so, possibilities of Skype acquisition/tie-up by Facebook or Google are swirling over the Internet. Two separate sources of Reuters have confirmed that company is progressing talks with both Facebook and Google, either for partnership or for an outright acquisition. To add further more spices, we are hearing that Microsoft has jumped into this Rat race and has emerged as strongest contender for this deal.
As per the sources, Skype can spill the beans on this in next 2-3 days or probably if gets excited enough – on Monday. Currently, all senior management and attorneys of the company are burning their mid-night oil this weekend before any announcement.
The big question which swings now what there for Microsoft in it ? Is it just to keep competition away by pocketing Skype’s exponential business outreach or is there some serious strategy post-acquisition? I personally feel that Microsoft’s interest into Skype makes significant sense for several reasons:
1) A recent marriage between Microsoft and Nokia will get a big boost from this tie ( either acquisition or Tie-up). Skype controls the “bolt-on-mobile-application” market through its services/solutions, like mobile video chat, VoIP services etc, which can be added advantage for Microsoft when it will plug Windows Phone platform with Nokia hardware.
2) It will open the door for further tie-ups and collaboration for Microsoft with various carriers who are interested to partner with Skype. This will have another in-direct benefit for Microsoft Mobile and Telecom solution arm.
3) Microsoft don’t have any direct “say” to social media Industry. Though, it has own financial interest with Facebook, Microsoft still wants to come out strongly by its own in collaboration and information sharing business like voice, video chat or other collaboration tools. This will help the company to win over its closest competitors Google and Cisco in such niche area.
Interestingly, despite of having mutual interest from three Industry Titans, Skype is still holding cards for IPO. I am really not sure how far and where exactly this will end but either by having tie-up or by acquisition, all three companies are set on the target which is going to play an optimistic role in collaboration Industry which is going on through up growth transformation.
We are keeping a close eye on all related development and shall update you as and when any crack down will happen. Keep following this space !
